Waterloo Regional Police Service appoints new chief

The Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) has announced the appointment of Deputy Chief Mark Crowell as the new chief of police.

“It is with great pleasure that we are announcing this today. We had several candidates that brought a wealth of experience and knowledge and through a robust selection process, chief designate Crowell, you were identified as an outstanding and transformative leader, and a catalyst for change,” said Waterloo Regional Police Services Board Chair, Karen Redman, at a police services board meeting, Thursday morning.

“The decision was unanimous, particularly because of designate chief Crowell’s commitment to pursuing a diverse and inclusive workplace, in building a culture of respect, his commitment to community partners, especially around supportive housing and in addressing homelessness, addictions and mental health, that made this choice an easy one to make.”

Crowell has been a member of the WRPS since 2001.   

“I thank you all for having the confidence in me to lead our police service. I am deeply honoured to be the next chief of police. This is an immense responsibility to represent all of our members and our incredible organization,” Crowell said.

“I want to thank all of our members. This is a very challenging and complex profession. I am very proud of the work that we do as one team everyday, 24/7 and 365 days a year, with care and compassion and true commitment to serving our community.”

Crowell has served as the deputy chief of police in administration and member services for the past two years where he has overseen several departments.

Prior to this, he served as an inspector and executive officer to the chief of police, where he oversaw the expansion of the equity, diversity and inclusion unit and the establishment of the public information unit.

Throughout his career, Crowell has served in areas including neighbourhood policing and investigations, intimate partner violence, communications, and special victims. 

Crowell comes to the position with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and Canadian Studies from Wilfrid Laurier University, a Master of Arts degree in Sociology, and a Ph.D. in Sociology from the Department of Sociology and Legal Studies at the University of Waterloo.  

Crowell has been a member of the board of directors for Supportive Housing of Waterloo and Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region, and has served as a community volunteer with Out of the Cold and Food4Kids Waterloo Region.  

Bryan Larkin announced his retirement last April and since leaving the force in July has been hired by the RCMP as Deputy Commissioner, Specialized Policing Services. Regional police staff superintendent John Goodman took over as interim police chief in May.

Crowell said that joining the community in 1998, was the best decision he ever made. 

"I have never looked back. This police service embraced me in 2001 and I’ve seen incredible growth, change and evolution and that will continue,” Crowell said.

“I’m not shy to say that this is the best community in Canada so our aspiration is to be the best police service to match that. This is a deeply proud day for me to represent our members. It’s also very nostalgic when I think back and reflect upon a legacy of strong leadership. Our service has much to be proud of.”

Crowell said that he is eager and excited to work with the WRPS team in continuing to provide services that will serve the community with strength, leadership and stability.

“I am very proud of our service, and I am inspired to continue to improve, to grow, and to evolve our police service into the future. My vision is that this is done through teamwork, collaboration and empowerment with our members and the community, and that we have respect and dignity in every interaction, every hour of the day,” Crowell said.

“As your chief of police, I look forward to working with the board and our members to continue to provide the most effective and innovative service to Waterloo region residents while pursuing a diverse and inclusive workplace, and further advancing safety by working with our community partners to create equitable outcomes for all residents of Waterloo region.”

Crowell will assume his new role on Nov. 24.